Los Angeles Faces Nearly $20 Million Costs from Anti-ICE Protests

Los Angeles has incurred nearly $20 million in costs due to recent protests sparked by federal immigration raids, with the majority of expenses stemming from the Los Angeles Police Department's overtime and damage repairs. City Administrative Officer Matt Szabo reported that the LAPD alone spent $16.9 million, including $11.7 million on overtime, and additional costs cover damage to city buildings, street cleaning, and graffiti removal, with total expenses expected to rise. The protests, which began after Immigration and Customs Enforcement conducted raids in the fashion district, resulted in over 575 arrests and occasional violence, prompting significant police and fire department responses. These financial strains come on top of an already tight city budget and raise concerns about sustainability. Federally, President Donald Trump deployed the California National Guard and U.S. Marines to assist, costing the federal government $134 million and drawing political controversy. The situation has led to investigations and legal actions, highlighting tensions between federal, state, and local authorities over the handling of the protests and immigration enforcement.